| The League of Women Voters of Orange County has long been an advocate for advancing the affordability of housing in central Florida. The unsheltered population in the county rose 23% in 2024; the fastest growing demographic was that of 55 and older, thought to be due to the widening income gap and housing options.
With January's colder than expected weather, Orange County Government in support of the HSN (Homeless Service Network) will open temporary warming centers today and Friday. Click HERE for locations.
LOOKING TO HELP? League President Rev. Kathy Schmitz has an opportunity: | Florida’s new anti-sleeping laws have taken effect, and municipalities are dealing with the implications. Here in Central Florida, 10 of our news outlets are participating in an experimental collaboration to report on how this all unfolds. All this has increased awareness of the ongoing and difficult issues surrounding affordable housing and homelessness.
Many are asking what they can do. Here is just one activity, taking place next week, that can really help. January 28-30, Tuesday through Thursday, is Orlando's annual Point in Time (PIT) count, an annual census of our unsheltered neighbors. It will be led by the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida and they are looking for volunteers. As they say:
Remember, the more volunteers, the more accurate the count. And the more accurate the count, the better our data, planning, advocacy, and opportunity to bring in more funding for housing and services to our unsheltered neighbors. Thank you in advance for helping the people who need us most. I have signed up for a shift that my husband, Charlie, and I will do together. If you are interested in helping out, you’ll find info here. And, while you’re at it, why not invite a friend to join you? This, like many things, will be more fun together!
Yours in Service,
Kathy
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LWVOC President Rev. Kathy Schmitz shares information about LWVFL and moderates the discussion
JAN 25, 9-noon
Leaguers discuss advocacy options for the upcoming year and revisit committee accomplishments and goals
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LWVOC President Rev. Kathy Schmitz shares information about LWVFL and moderates the discussion
FEB 12, 11AM
Honoring the work of African Americans — forced and voluntary, and the long
struggle for equality Learn more HERE | | | Nat'l and Florida LEAGUE UPDATES | As LWVUS continues to grow, we mark the journey into our second century with a determination to transform into an organization with a membership that reflects the beautiful diversity of our country. While our work is far from done, our expansion, partnered with our century of tried and true experience, positions us as powerful defenders of democracy.
That’s one reason we’re launching Women Defend Democracy. We developed this campaign in the weeks following the 2024 Election to meet this critical moment in US history. | | | | From the LWV of Florida: Lobby Days marks a unique opportunity to humanize our legislative priorities with our state lawmakers. The League's membership has continued to grow over the past year and we're excited to show that off in the halls our state capitol.
Look for more details coming soon from LWVOC. | It was a beautiful day to march in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King at the annual Eatonville parade held JAN 18. Leaguers have marched in this parade every year it's been held for the last decade. View the most recent photos here: 2025 MLK Eatonville Parade |  | | Vote-by-mail requests expire after each federal general election cycle. Therefore, all vote-by-mail requests expired on Dec. 31, 2024. To continue to receive vote-by-mail ballots, you must submit a new vote-by-mail request each general election cycle.
UPCOMING Orange County Elections
Feb. 4th, Town of Windermere Mail Ballot Referendum
March 11th, Municipal elections for the Cities of Ocoee, Winter Park, Belle Isle, Maitland, Town of Windermere |  | The National Popular Vote Committee encourages you to join them as NPV momentum is on the rise!
Join us for an inaugural presentation by Sarah Peacock and Paul Carder, next Wednesday, January 29 at 1 p.m. for a presentation and Q&A about “What Exactly IS the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact?”
Click the Zoom link below to register:
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January's Hot Topics RECAP is here for Immigration: What is next for central Florida?Click on the link above to read the program summary by Judi Hayes and the full bios of our panelists. Also included, the full photo album and video or visit YouTube HERE to view it. TAKE ACTION information below: | | | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Campaign, courtesy of Hope CommUnityCenter
https://hcc-offm.org/immigration/#rights-anchor
SHARE the information below:
Hope CommUnity Center offers detailed and concrete preparation for immigrants to be knowledgeable of their unalienable rights in this country, even when they don’t have legal status. We provide this preparation through fairs, workshops, and clinics in which members of the community act out different scenarios in which they may encounter law enforcement officers or immigration officers. During these community gatherings, families also prepare Dignity Plan and Protection packets that demonstrate their length of time residing in the United States, the status and needs of their Permanent Resident or US Citizen Children, and their good moral character. Additionally, HCC works with members of the community to ensure the safety of their children, finances, and possessions through the preparation of Power of Attorney documents.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUD, DON’T TAKE RISKS
Consult with an Immigration attorney, never receive legal guidance from a notary, Immigration Consultant, or paralegal.
SAVE MONEY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
Hope CommUnity Center also partners with Catholic Charities of Central Florida for more detailed cases.
Click here for cards to carry that express your rights in English and Spanish.
Click here for a booklet demonstrating how to respond in different situations where you may encounter Immigration or Law Enforcement Officials. (Spanish Version)
REPORT AN IMMIGRATION RAID. CALL THE FLORIDA IMMIGRANT COALITION HOTLINE AT 1-888-600-5762 |  | | Keisha De La Rosa Del Valle
Not a member yet? Visit our Join Now page and learn about becoming a Leaguer! |  |
Visit the Donate page to explore the many ways you can $upport LWVOC.
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Sponsors are vital to our work to empower voters by providing timely information for the benefit of non-partisan civic engagement in our community.
To further explore how becoming a Hot Topics Sponsor can align with your business goals, please contact LWVOC Vice President, Lee Rambeau Kemp HERE
A range of sponsorship levels are available. |  |  | | Statewide call to action: The League of Women Voters supports the Florida Right to Clean Water campaign, a citizens' initiative to amend the Florida Constitution with the right to clean and healthy waters. If our current laws were working, then we wouldn’t have manatees dying in record numbers, 80% of our 1000 springs impaired, and harmful blue-green algae and red tide in greater frequency and duration. A constitutional right takes precedence over legislation that permits pollution, restricts fertilizer bans, and allows radioactive materials to be used in our roads. Create a legacy for the future of our waters!
The Right to Clean Water! In support of establishing our basic right to clean and healthy water, LWVOC has committed to helping get this citizen initiative on the 2026 ballot. Please sign your own petition. Those who signed prior to 2024 will need to sign the new petition.
Learn how YOU can become an active volunteer here: https://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org/resources | |